Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. This month we are venturing beyond the boroughs where we have operations to promote neighboring businesses. This week, our journey takes us to the Bronx Museum of the Arts. They have been connecting diverse audiences to the urban experience for 50 years!

The Bronx Museum of the Arts opened its doors in 1971, at a time when the borough was in crisis. A group of community leaders and activist worked tirelessly to create a place of artistic fellowship — where the cultural wealth of the community could be celebrated, and where the voices and visions of artists seeking a more just and equitable world could be told and displayed. Initially, the dynamic communities of the Bronx were represented by artists of African, Asian, and Latin American ancestry. Then, recognizing the Bronx’s cultural heritage, collecting practices expanded to include artists whose experiences in the Bronx affected their artistry. 

Fifty years later, the Bronx Museum of the Arts celebrates its anniversary triumphantly and proudly works to continue to meet its mission — to connect diverse audiences to the urban experience — and core values. Today the Museum is thriving, and through its exhibits, events, and educational programming, you can see firsthand how art and culture come together to tell the story of and advance social justice and equity. 

With more than 1,500 contemporary artworks currently owned by the Museum in all types of media, the Museum has embraced its role as the only contemporary art museum in the borough. Their inclusive programming, including their free admission policy in effect since 2012, reflects the dynamic communities within the Bronx and provides underserved residents access to the arts.

The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1:00 to 6 PM. Walk-ins are welcome. If you prefer, you can reserve tickets. Additional information about visiting the Museum is available. The Museum can also be accessed virtually. You can explore the exhibition archives or take a 360˚ virtual tour. Online, you can also venture beyond the exhibitions to these four categories: Art Studio, Guided Tours, Meet the Artist, and Sharing Stories. To view information about their current and upcoming 50th Anniversary exhibitions, please click HERE.

The Bronx Museum of the Arts is a one-of-a-kind treasure that nurtures the creativity, innovation, and diversity of the arts through all media types. If you love the arts as we do, we encourage you to become a member and/or make a donation.  And be sure to schedule a visit to the Museum. When you get there, tell them that Broadway Stages sent you.